FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
February 4, 2021

LITTLE ROCK – Governor Asa Hutchinson today announced three appointments to the Board of Trustees of the Arkansas State University (ASU) System.

On Monday, February 1, 2021, Governor Hutchinson signed Act 18, officially adding Henderson State University (HSU) in Arkadelphia to the ASU System. Act 18 also expands the system’s board of trustees from five members to seven.

Governor Hutchinson appointed the following members to the ASU System Board of Trustees:

Paul Rowton, Harrisburg, is the executive vice president of GES Inc., a corporation that owns and operates Edwards Food Giant and Edwards Cash Saver Supermarkets. Rowton is the former president of the ASU Alumni Association, where he served on the Board of Directors for 14 years. Rowton’s term will expire January 14, 2028.

Robert Rudolph, Bryant, is the pastor at Calvary Church of God in Christ in Malvern. He is a graduate of HSU and an active member of the alumni association. Rudolph’s term will expire January 14, 2027.

Steve Eddington, Benton, is the vice president of public relations at Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation. He is the current president of the HSU Alumni Board and has served on the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame Board of Directors since 2004. Eddington’s term will expire January 14, 2026.

Governor Hutchinson issued the following statement:

“I’m delighted to announce these appointments to this expanded Board of Trustees. Paul Rowton, Robert Rudolph, and Steve Eddington have shown their dedication to their respective alma maters, and I am confident they will bring the same level of commitment and enthusiasm to this new role. This board will help to ensure all seven institutions under the ASU System will thrive for many years to come.”